I have just returned from the dentist. I think visiting the dentist is far worse than any other doctor type visit. I would rather see the gynae, in fact ,I think I would rather have my mastectomies done again!
The whole left side of my face is numb and paralysed after having two fillings. I am trying to slurp some coffee - not very successfully.
I have invited Cuzz C and her Chef/son for supper - hope by then I can eat, if not Im sure I can still drink wine.
Have a good weekend
Friday, January 29, 2010
TGIF
TGIF (Thanks God it’s Friday) I am rather weary today, must be having a BBD, However I did manage to register for my B.Tech degree. Student rioting has stopped and peace and quiet once again reigns over us here and we are all getting on with the business of being an academic institution.
I last studied at this institution in 1987, so when I registered, my original student number from then was dredged up to be re used for this current registration. The registration details are in my maiden name and all the details on the system pertain to that era of my life. A lot has happened since then, got married and divorced etc, causing an administration nightmare of having to produce my marriage certificate and divorce papers to prove my identity. This got me to thinking that the custom of married women taking on their husbands’ names should be stopped. We should keep the name we were born with for life, like men, who do not have to prove their identity each time they apply for documents, passports and to further their education etc…. Once the system is updated with the latest details, I can then apply for my student card to be issued in my current (kept after divorce) surname, so that card will have the same name on it as my staff card – or I could have 2 cards, staff card with married name and student card with maiden name. This should prove to be exciting when getting past the security at the gate. I could pretend to be a double agent with 2 identities.
Enough musing – I had my annual checkup with my oncologist yesterday and all seems fine, just awaiting the blood results for tumor markers, however I am confident all is well.
This weekend HTB has expresses a desire to go hiking in the mountains! So hike we shall.
I last studied at this institution in 1987, so when I registered, my original student number from then was dredged up to be re used for this current registration. The registration details are in my maiden name and all the details on the system pertain to that era of my life. A lot has happened since then, got married and divorced etc, causing an administration nightmare of having to produce my marriage certificate and divorce papers to prove my identity. This got me to thinking that the custom of married women taking on their husbands’ names should be stopped. We should keep the name we were born with for life, like men, who do not have to prove their identity each time they apply for documents, passports and to further their education etc…. Once the system is updated with the latest details, I can then apply for my student card to be issued in my current (kept after divorce) surname, so that card will have the same name on it as my staff card – or I could have 2 cards, staff card with married name and student card with maiden name. This should prove to be exciting when getting past the security at the gate. I could pretend to be a double agent with 2 identities.
Enough musing – I had my annual checkup with my oncologist yesterday and all seems fine, just awaiting the blood results for tumor markers, however I am confident all is well.
This weekend HTB has expresses a desire to go hiking in the mountains! So hike we shall.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Fritata Pitata
Some of you may know that my cousin C is doing a foodie blog. She was inspired by the movie Julia and
Julia. This movie is based on Julie cooking Julia’s French recipes from her cookery book,for a year and recording it on a blog.
C got hold of the Ideas magazine 100 recipes book, her youngest son is home to attend UKZN in Durban this year, so the 2 of them are religiously following the recipes and she updates the blog on a daily basis.
Two nights ago the recipe was for a fritata, so I decided to cook my version of the fritata last night.
A fritata is basically a Spanish omelette, that is, and omelette that is not folded over and can be made with whatever ingredients you have in the kitchen. The basic must have ingredient are eggs and cheese.
I nuked a potato in the microwave, diced it up and sautéed it in a little olive oil in the pan. I added some sliced leeks and chopped yellow pepper. This was quick preparation done in advance as HTB had gone to gym- so the next stage could only be completed once he returned home. I poured myself a glass of wine and flopped on the couch in front of the TV to recuperate from enduring a stinking hot day with no air con at work.
HTB arrived freshly showered post gym. I diced up a smoked chicken breast, added it to my pan ingredients and put the hob on. I beat 4 eggs with (soya – we don’t do dairy as HTB is lactose intolerant) milk, poured it over the pan ingredients and left it to cook. When the base was set, I sprinkled some grated parmesan cheese and cayenne pepper on the top. Then I put it in the oven under the grill to finish off cooking the top and to melt the cheese. In the meantime I threw together some lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes. Once the top of the frittata was set, I divided it into 4 and lifted a quarter for each of us onto our plates with the salad. HTB was sitting like Lord Muck on the couch, so I poured him a glass of wine, brought him his tray, cutlery and assorted condiments and served him his supper.
He thought he had died and gone to heaven – he had never tasted such a delicious fritata – and has asked that I please make fritata once a week from now on. He then proceeded to polish off the remaining frittata in the pan.
This was a quick simple dish with minimum fuss and not too many dirty dishes to wash up. I washed up, showered and went to bed feeling very housewifely and virtous.
Julia. This movie is based on Julie cooking Julia’s French recipes from her cookery book,for a year and recording it on a blog.
C got hold of the Ideas magazine 100 recipes book, her youngest son is home to attend UKZN in Durban this year, so the 2 of them are religiously following the recipes and she updates the blog on a daily basis.
Two nights ago the recipe was for a fritata, so I decided to cook my version of the fritata last night.
A fritata is basically a Spanish omelette, that is, and omelette that is not folded over and can be made with whatever ingredients you have in the kitchen. The basic must have ingredient are eggs and cheese.
I nuked a potato in the microwave, diced it up and sautéed it in a little olive oil in the pan. I added some sliced leeks and chopped yellow pepper. This was quick preparation done in advance as HTB had gone to gym- so the next stage could only be completed once he returned home. I poured myself a glass of wine and flopped on the couch in front of the TV to recuperate from enduring a stinking hot day with no air con at work.
HTB arrived freshly showered post gym. I diced up a smoked chicken breast, added it to my pan ingredients and put the hob on. I beat 4 eggs with (soya – we don’t do dairy as HTB is lactose intolerant) milk, poured it over the pan ingredients and left it to cook. When the base was set, I sprinkled some grated parmesan cheese and cayenne pepper on the top. Then I put it in the oven under the grill to finish off cooking the top and to melt the cheese. In the meantime I threw together some lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes. Once the top of the frittata was set, I divided it into 4 and lifted a quarter for each of us onto our plates with the salad. HTB was sitting like Lord Muck on the couch, so I poured him a glass of wine, brought him his tray, cutlery and assorted condiments and served him his supper.
He thought he had died and gone to heaven – he had never tasted such a delicious fritata – and has asked that I please make fritata once a week from now on. He then proceeded to polish off the remaining frittata in the pan.
This was a quick simple dish with minimum fuss and not too many dirty dishes to wash up. I washed up, showered and went to bed feeling very housewifely and virtous.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Belly dancing 101
I have been rather remiss in updating my blog over the last few days; however I have a good excuse.
Students arrived for their registration and orientation over the past couple of weeks, disrupted by the usual student rioting and mayhem. Only in South Africa is it a risk to register for a course where one may get attacked or shot in the cross fire of the riot police and rioters. I have yet to register for my B.Tech, and am hoping to sneak in early on Friday morning under the radar to get registered finally.
Any way – back to more fun stuff.
On Friday night, we had our monthly Tiara club get together. Tiara club (girls only) is like book club – without books, lots of eating, drinking, talking and laughing. We really let our hair (and sometimes clothes) down!
The theme for Tiara club was hippies, mezze food and belly dancing. Cuzz C – put together a lovely spread of hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and stuffed peppadews, dolmades, falafel and pits breads. This was accompanied by copious amounts of wine, and followed with halva for dessert. YUM!
Mad Irish friend T is the belly dancing expert and brought the relevant music, scarves and belly dancing type scarf thingies with jangling bits that make that jingling noise when hips are gyrated. Very effective. We have all resolved to go and buy our own.
We had come dressed for the part. Cuzz C and Kiwi Shaz were dressed like hippies in tie died shirts, jeans, sandals and no bra’s. Myself – tart that I am- wore a floaty wrap skirt thing with a red lacy bra under my top.
Irish T gave us a lesson in the basics of Belly dancing 101. In no time we were gyrating and shimmying to the music like pros.
As usual, I got carried away and stripped down to my under wear while whirling around like a mad dervish. After a solid session of dancing we were sweating like mine workers. We then stripped off all our clothes and jumped in the swimming pool – naked! It was lovely and refreshing.
We all had a good time. Shaz – who is my neighbor, and I headed home.
On arrival, HTB and kitty were as usual waiting up for me. I felt compelled to give HTB and impromptu display of my newfound belly dancing skills. I blame the wine – amazing how a few glasses of wine make one think that one is a sex goddess and can do belly dancing like a pro after one lesson, and the lighting was sufficiently dim also to set the mood.
HTB seemed appreciative of my efforts and I was rewarded with some rather nice attention.
The next morning, in the cold light of day and after the effects of the wine had worn off – I asked him if he enjoyed my rendition of Fatima the exotic belly dancer. He replied that my act had been amusing. AMUSING! Hot dang – I thought I was hot hot hot!
Oh well - I will keep my belly dancing routines when we meet at Tiara club again, to be appreciated by my friends.
Students arrived for their registration and orientation over the past couple of weeks, disrupted by the usual student rioting and mayhem. Only in South Africa is it a risk to register for a course where one may get attacked or shot in the cross fire of the riot police and rioters. I have yet to register for my B.Tech, and am hoping to sneak in early on Friday morning under the radar to get registered finally.
Any way – back to more fun stuff.
On Friday night, we had our monthly Tiara club get together. Tiara club (girls only) is like book club – without books, lots of eating, drinking, talking and laughing. We really let our hair (and sometimes clothes) down!
The theme for Tiara club was hippies, mezze food and belly dancing. Cuzz C – put together a lovely spread of hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and stuffed peppadews, dolmades, falafel and pits breads. This was accompanied by copious amounts of wine, and followed with halva for dessert. YUM!
Mad Irish friend T is the belly dancing expert and brought the relevant music, scarves and belly dancing type scarf thingies with jangling bits that make that jingling noise when hips are gyrated. Very effective. We have all resolved to go and buy our own.
We had come dressed for the part. Cuzz C and Kiwi Shaz were dressed like hippies in tie died shirts, jeans, sandals and no bra’s. Myself – tart that I am- wore a floaty wrap skirt thing with a red lacy bra under my top.
Irish T gave us a lesson in the basics of Belly dancing 101. In no time we were gyrating and shimmying to the music like pros.
As usual, I got carried away and stripped down to my under wear while whirling around like a mad dervish. After a solid session of dancing we were sweating like mine workers. We then stripped off all our clothes and jumped in the swimming pool – naked! It was lovely and refreshing.
We all had a good time. Shaz – who is my neighbor, and I headed home.
On arrival, HTB and kitty were as usual waiting up for me. I felt compelled to give HTB and impromptu display of my newfound belly dancing skills. I blame the wine – amazing how a few glasses of wine make one think that one is a sex goddess and can do belly dancing like a pro after one lesson, and the lighting was sufficiently dim also to set the mood.
HTB seemed appreciative of my efforts and I was rewarded with some rather nice attention.
The next morning, in the cold light of day and after the effects of the wine had worn off – I asked him if he enjoyed my rendition of Fatima the exotic belly dancer. He replied that my act had been amusing. AMUSING! Hot dang – I thought I was hot hot hot!
Oh well - I will keep my belly dancing routines when we meet at Tiara club again, to be appreciated by my friends.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Back to school
My cousin C and I have undertaken to co mentor 2 orphaned girls from the Children’s home.
We have to meet them still, however our parental duties started last night when we attended the Parents evening for grade 8’s at Durban Girls High. Both girls are enrolled there.
We sat through one of those typical school type evenings with the head mistress giving us instructions and orders to follow. Woe betides any parent that does not adhere to the rules! I was taken back to my school days where we sat through endless long assemblies with the headmaster droning on and on.
After sitting through the entire affair with eyes glazed over, we were let out for refreshments which consisted of Oros and lovely fresh sarmies – just like what we had in our school lunch boxes.
After surviving the parents evening, I drove home, got past kitty at the front door, flopped on the couch and started to watch SATC. I am hooked. I am now on series 6 – have 4 DVD’s left to watch to complete the series. HTB is thoroughly sick and tired of the SATC fest going on at home and has taken to retiring to the bedroom with his book – I have re assured him that once I have completed watching all the DVD’s – they will be returned to my cousin who owns them. He is tired of seeing the “naked hussies” on the TV screen – I do let him stop the DVD to let him watch the news however.
Supper was a quick light affair. I taught HTB how to sauté mushrooms, onion and spinach with a bit of cream which we had on toasted rye bread. He was very pleased with himself as he has now expanded his recipe repertoire from 3 to 4. We have progress!
We have to meet them still, however our parental duties started last night when we attended the Parents evening for grade 8’s at Durban Girls High. Both girls are enrolled there.
We sat through one of those typical school type evenings with the head mistress giving us instructions and orders to follow. Woe betides any parent that does not adhere to the rules! I was taken back to my school days where we sat through endless long assemblies with the headmaster droning on and on.
After sitting through the entire affair with eyes glazed over, we were let out for refreshments which consisted of Oros and lovely fresh sarmies – just like what we had in our school lunch boxes.
After surviving the parents evening, I drove home, got past kitty at the front door, flopped on the couch and started to watch SATC. I am hooked. I am now on series 6 – have 4 DVD’s left to watch to complete the series. HTB is thoroughly sick and tired of the SATC fest going on at home and has taken to retiring to the bedroom with his book – I have re assured him that once I have completed watching all the DVD’s – they will be returned to my cousin who owns them. He is tired of seeing the “naked hussies” on the TV screen – I do let him stop the DVD to let him watch the news however.
Supper was a quick light affair. I taught HTB how to sauté mushrooms, onion and spinach with a bit of cream which we had on toasted rye bread. He was very pleased with himself as he has now expanded his recipe repertoire from 3 to 4. We have progress!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Mature student - still learning
Well I have gone and done it!!
At the advanced age of 40 something I have registered to further my studies.
I will be studying for a Bachelor of Technology degree part time for the next 2 years. Then I would like to study for a Higher education Diploma.
But –let’s not be too ambitious – will start with the B.Tech slowly. I last studied for a degree in 2000 – so my brains have had 9 years or so to deteriorate.
The air conditioning in my lab at work is malfunctioning – so I have been suffering with the heat. This was worsened by having 20 students crammed into my lab for uniform fittings which raised the temperature level somewhat.
I escaped the sweltering heat of the lab to the even more sweltering heat of the car to get to gym.
I managed to drag myself through the 2 circuits we are required to do still pouring buckets of sweat.
After a quick cup of coffee with Cousin C it was off to the shops. I loitered by the freezer section for a while to cool off. Thank Gid for the freezer section at Pick and Pay. Very handy for collimg off when one has a menopausal hot flush too.
Once home, HTB was off to gym and indicated he would make his signature rice and snoek dish for supper on his return.
I collapsed on the couch, put on SATC and downed a nice cold Savannah Light – Bliss!!
Now refreshed thanks to Savannah Light, I tackled the second half of the huge mound of accumulated ironing – this produced more sweating, but felt really good when I completed ironing the last item of clothing – and then went off to have a lovely soak in the bath.
HTB returned from gym and proceeded to make snoek and rice dish – always yummy since I had not cooked it, plus he washed the dishes! Bonus!!
At the advanced age of 40 something I have registered to further my studies.
I will be studying for a Bachelor of Technology degree part time for the next 2 years. Then I would like to study for a Higher education Diploma.
But –let’s not be too ambitious – will start with the B.Tech slowly. I last studied for a degree in 2000 – so my brains have had 9 years or so to deteriorate.
The air conditioning in my lab at work is malfunctioning – so I have been suffering with the heat. This was worsened by having 20 students crammed into my lab for uniform fittings which raised the temperature level somewhat.
I escaped the sweltering heat of the lab to the even more sweltering heat of the car to get to gym.
I managed to drag myself through the 2 circuits we are required to do still pouring buckets of sweat.
After a quick cup of coffee with Cousin C it was off to the shops. I loitered by the freezer section for a while to cool off. Thank Gid for the freezer section at Pick and Pay. Very handy for collimg off when one has a menopausal hot flush too.
Once home, HTB was off to gym and indicated he would make his signature rice and snoek dish for supper on his return.
I collapsed on the couch, put on SATC and downed a nice cold Savannah Light – Bliss!!
Now refreshed thanks to Savannah Light, I tackled the second half of the huge mound of accumulated ironing – this produced more sweating, but felt really good when I completed ironing the last item of clothing – and then went off to have a lovely soak in the bath.
HTB returned from gym and proceeded to make snoek and rice dish – always yummy since I had not cooked it, plus he washed the dishes! Bonus!!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Bad girls weekend and kitty drama
This weekend 3 of us went away for the weekend to celebrate my cousin’s 40 th something birthday.
Just us 3 girls – we stayed in a self catering chalet right on the beach – we had such a blast.
There was lots of drinking, talking and screaming with laughter. Suffice it to say that what was talked about is to never be repeated!!
We misbehaved (not too much) – or rather made spectacles of ourselves as we surmised that no one there would know us. I think we entertained the other residents quite well.
Cousin had the bright idea of making us wear false eyelashes – and mine were the thickest and longest.
They looked like hairy caterpillars – and when applied to my eyelids with make -up etc made me look like a something one would purchase from and adult shop.
On arrival home, I was met by HTB in an advanced state of distress and hyperventilation. Dear kitty was missing, and had been so for 2 hours, HTB had searched everywhere and even driven around the block to look for her. I calmed him down, and sent him off to make a cup of tea. I walked around the garden calling kitty’s name. Eventually I heard a faint meowing sound and found her stuck about 6 feet up a tree where she could not get down.
HTB started to panic and wanted to call the fire department. Luckily our kind neighbors have a ladder and assisted us with retrieving said kitty from the tree. She very trustingly came to me on the ladder, was grabbed by the scruff of the neck and very unlady- like dumped on the ground.
After that calm was restored after imbibing a cuppa and kitty was very happy to be safely home!
Just us 3 girls – we stayed in a self catering chalet right on the beach – we had such a blast.
There was lots of drinking, talking and screaming with laughter. Suffice it to say that what was talked about is to never be repeated!!
We misbehaved (not too much) – or rather made spectacles of ourselves as we surmised that no one there would know us. I think we entertained the other residents quite well.
Cousin had the bright idea of making us wear false eyelashes – and mine were the thickest and longest.
They looked like hairy caterpillars – and when applied to my eyelids with make -up etc made me look like a something one would purchase from and adult shop.
On arrival home, I was met by HTB in an advanced state of distress and hyperventilation. Dear kitty was missing, and had been so for 2 hours, HTB had searched everywhere and even driven around the block to look for her. I calmed him down, and sent him off to make a cup of tea. I walked around the garden calling kitty’s name. Eventually I heard a faint meowing sound and found her stuck about 6 feet up a tree where she could not get down.
HTB started to panic and wanted to call the fire department. Luckily our kind neighbors have a ladder and assisted us with retrieving said kitty from the tree. She very trustingly came to me on the ladder, was grabbed by the scruff of the neck and very unlady- like dumped on the ground.
After that calm was restored after imbibing a cuppa and kitty was very happy to be safely home!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Monty's armchair and Goormaag!!!!!!!
After work last night I had to go and fetch a PC for a friend, then go down to TOM’s place to drop said PC off as my sister B and her husband A are kindly taking it back to Secunda for my friend to then collect it from them, as she is In Delmas.
I arrived, after collection of PC etc, at about 5.45 pm to find TOM sitting on an old squashed armchair that his big fat Labrador Monty used to sit on, in the garden drinking a beer (probably his 6th beer of the day judging by his inebriated state).
Unfortunately Monty passed on to doggie heaven on Easter Sunday last year. TOM was devastated as he had obtained Monty after my mother had passed away, and Monty was his buddy. Of course, since Monty passed away on a public holiday, the SPCA and vet were not on hand to assist with the disposal of the body. Monty was rather voluptuous to say the least, due to overfeeding and lack of exercise, however HTB and I dug a huge hole in the garden to bury Monty. Actually, I dug the hole. I am able to do this based on the fact that I am an archaeologist and can dig. HTB was weak with pneumonia and TOM was weak from crying into several beers, so they watched me dig the hole. The 3 of us managed to lift/drag Monty, which was no mean feat as he weighed over 40 KGS and rigor mortis had set in, into his grave with his blanky and a bone to take on his spiritual journey)
But I digress, sister B was looking a bit frazzled with having to put up with TOM over the festive season, and had spent the day washing curtains etc… Don’t know why she bothers.
Any event- we went to Dieters restaurant for supper, they all ordered grilled eisbein and I had a ladies fillet with veggies.
As kids we were often fed roast pork and have fond memories of my sisters and I sharing out the crispy crackling fairly at our usual Sunday lunches – we even measured it- I kid you not. Based on this childhood memory, I pinched some crackling off the others plates. Alas, I started to feel queasy. On arrival at home a felt even more yuck and had a rather runny tummy. I had what my parents always warned us kids we would get if we ate too much crackling – goormaag.
Serves me right for being a piggy !
I arrived, after collection of PC etc, at about 5.45 pm to find TOM sitting on an old squashed armchair that his big fat Labrador Monty used to sit on, in the garden drinking a beer (probably his 6th beer of the day judging by his inebriated state).
Unfortunately Monty passed on to doggie heaven on Easter Sunday last year. TOM was devastated as he had obtained Monty after my mother had passed away, and Monty was his buddy. Of course, since Monty passed away on a public holiday, the SPCA and vet were not on hand to assist with the disposal of the body. Monty was rather voluptuous to say the least, due to overfeeding and lack of exercise, however HTB and I dug a huge hole in the garden to bury Monty. Actually, I dug the hole. I am able to do this based on the fact that I am an archaeologist and can dig. HTB was weak with pneumonia and TOM was weak from crying into several beers, so they watched me dig the hole. The 3 of us managed to lift/drag Monty, which was no mean feat as he weighed over 40 KGS and rigor mortis had set in, into his grave with his blanky and a bone to take on his spiritual journey)
But I digress, sister B was looking a bit frazzled with having to put up with TOM over the festive season, and had spent the day washing curtains etc… Don’t know why she bothers.
Any event- we went to Dieters restaurant for supper, they all ordered grilled eisbein and I had a ladies fillet with veggies.
As kids we were often fed roast pork and have fond memories of my sisters and I sharing out the crispy crackling fairly at our usual Sunday lunches – we even measured it- I kid you not. Based on this childhood memory, I pinched some crackling off the others plates. Alas, I started to feel queasy. On arrival at home a felt even more yuck and had a rather runny tummy. I had what my parents always warned us kids we would get if we ate too much crackling – goormaag.
Serves me right for being a piggy !
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Busy and eventful weekend
Friday evening:
After being back for the first seek of work after our road trip away, HTB and myself collapsed in a puddle on the couch in front of the TV. There was some vague suggestion of taking in a movie – but neither of us had the strength. Unluckily for us – the repertoire on TV was not much good – SABC 3 is having a Leon Schuster fest – don’t know why we thought these movies were a hoot in the eighties – such mindless drivel!!
I didn’t even have any supper – as unknown to HTB – I had been shopping at the Pav for “fat” clothes for myself – and was starving. I was craving junk food and I sneaked off to Steers an ordered two rave burgers which I wolfed down sneakily in a corner. When I got home guilt set in and I popped off to my local pharmacy to send a fax, and bought a protein rich meal replacement shake. My plan is to have the shake for breakfast and lunch – then eat a meal in the evenings. Must say – the pictures of the lean muscle bound types did it for me – according to the “blurb” on the container, within 6 weeks I should look like a Miss Bodybuilder contestant.
On Saturday morning, HTB and I got up and did a monster house cleaning session. In the process we discovered that kitty had pee peed on the divan in the lounge. She does this for some reason, but only on HTB’s stuff, much to his annoyance. So we stripped the quilt off to be sent to the drycleaners. HTB adores kitty – but not when she pee pees on his stuff – rest of the morning spent housecleaning with HTB telling kitty her new name is PIB (Piss in boots) To allay HTB- I suggest we buy a waterproof cover for said divan. This re assures him somewhat.
Housecleaning chores are now completed – HTB goes off to have a coffee and I set of to meet my cousin C at the Pav – as we are scheduled to meet her friend L to visit the Natal Mineral and Gem Society to learn how to make our own jewelry.
Prior to leaving for the gem place – I purchase the required waterproof mattress protector.
The gem place was fun. Granted, C and I bring the average age down by about 40 years, but the people there are great. We are each given a piece of blue lace agate; we draw our shapes on the stones and begin shaping them on the grinders. It’s very exciting to work on the very “macho” equipment and very therapeutic to grind a stone.
Midway we were forced to stop for tea and cake – bang goes my diet – thereafter we continued shaping and grinding our gems. We have decided that we will definitely join the society.
After grinding my stone – I head off home to collect HTB to go to Gateway to have supper and see a movie.
No decent movies at Cinema Nouveau, so we opt to see Sherlock Holmes at the main movie complex. I enjoyed the movie, HTB did not enjoy it as much as I did – he really is an art movie person.
Sunday: I wake up with a stiff neck and am unable to move and I have 5 family memebers coming to lunch. Will be seeing my sister B, bil (brother in law) A and my father. C and her chef/son are also coming to join us for lunch.
I manage to crawl out of bed, shower and get dressed. HTG supplies breakfast. We head off for our usual Sunday morning ritual of going for a coffee and reading the Sunday Slimes.
I still have to shop for lunch – so head off and do that while HTB browses through the newspapers. Once done he comes to push my trolley and carry the groceries as I am incapacitated with stiff neck.
Spend the rest of the morning making lunch – HTB is kicked out of the kitchen as I keep falling over him – he then huffily decides he needs a break and heads off to get some essential supplies from Woolies and I suspect to read more newspapers.
Family arrive for lunch
Lovely gifts from them all – including a gift from my father which he apparently chose and bought himself??? I nearly fell on my back – good thing I didn’t as my neck is very sore. My mother was mainly responsible for buying my sisters and I birthday and Christmas gifts, and since she passed away in 2000, my sisters and I have never received a gift from TOM (the old man) in the last 10 years. B assures me that she had nothing to do with helping him buy the gift and was also gobsmacked to receive a gift from him also.
All in all – lunch was very pleasant – especially since it consisted of family members, not that B, BIL A, C and her chef son are a problem to have for lunch, TOM can be a bit taxing at times ad one needs some alcoholic fortification to cope with him sometimes, but he was actually quite well behaved.
B is looking well and has only 7 months left of chemo Tx. She and I were both diagnosed with BC (breast cancer) in the same year.
After lunch, family departs, HTB heads off for a nap – and I decide to start watching some SATC dvd’s loaned From C – bugger the dishes. An hour later, HTB surfaces and I plead incapacity to washing the dishes as my neck is stiff – so he duly takes the hint and washes the dishes and collects the laundry off the line!! He really is good about doing housework. Luckily there is a lot of leftover food – so HTB tucks in- I’m too full and am also supposed to be on diet so I skip supper and head of to bed.
Finally work out that my stiff neck is from the vacuuming I did on Saturday morning – this is the clincher – am finally going to get a maid!!
PS: To clarify my mosspelling in a previous blog : soak and rice was menat to be snoek and rice
After being back for the first seek of work after our road trip away, HTB and myself collapsed in a puddle on the couch in front of the TV. There was some vague suggestion of taking in a movie – but neither of us had the strength. Unluckily for us – the repertoire on TV was not much good – SABC 3 is having a Leon Schuster fest – don’t know why we thought these movies were a hoot in the eighties – such mindless drivel!!
I didn’t even have any supper – as unknown to HTB – I had been shopping at the Pav for “fat” clothes for myself – and was starving. I was craving junk food and I sneaked off to Steers an ordered two rave burgers which I wolfed down sneakily in a corner. When I got home guilt set in and I popped off to my local pharmacy to send a fax, and bought a protein rich meal replacement shake. My plan is to have the shake for breakfast and lunch – then eat a meal in the evenings. Must say – the pictures of the lean muscle bound types did it for me – according to the “blurb” on the container, within 6 weeks I should look like a Miss Bodybuilder contestant.
On Saturday morning, HTB and I got up and did a monster house cleaning session. In the process we discovered that kitty had pee peed on the divan in the lounge. She does this for some reason, but only on HTB’s stuff, much to his annoyance. So we stripped the quilt off to be sent to the drycleaners. HTB adores kitty – but not when she pee pees on his stuff – rest of the morning spent housecleaning with HTB telling kitty her new name is PIB (Piss in boots) To allay HTB- I suggest we buy a waterproof cover for said divan. This re assures him somewhat.
Housecleaning chores are now completed – HTB goes off to have a coffee and I set of to meet my cousin C at the Pav – as we are scheduled to meet her friend L to visit the Natal Mineral and Gem Society to learn how to make our own jewelry.
Prior to leaving for the gem place – I purchase the required waterproof mattress protector.
The gem place was fun. Granted, C and I bring the average age down by about 40 years, but the people there are great. We are each given a piece of blue lace agate; we draw our shapes on the stones and begin shaping them on the grinders. It’s very exciting to work on the very “macho” equipment and very therapeutic to grind a stone.
Midway we were forced to stop for tea and cake – bang goes my diet – thereafter we continued shaping and grinding our gems. We have decided that we will definitely join the society.
After grinding my stone – I head off home to collect HTB to go to Gateway to have supper and see a movie.
No decent movies at Cinema Nouveau, so we opt to see Sherlock Holmes at the main movie complex. I enjoyed the movie, HTB did not enjoy it as much as I did – he really is an art movie person.
Sunday: I wake up with a stiff neck and am unable to move and I have 5 family memebers coming to lunch. Will be seeing my sister B, bil (brother in law) A and my father. C and her chef/son are also coming to join us for lunch.
I manage to crawl out of bed, shower and get dressed. HTG supplies breakfast. We head off for our usual Sunday morning ritual of going for a coffee and reading the Sunday Slimes.
I still have to shop for lunch – so head off and do that while HTB browses through the newspapers. Once done he comes to push my trolley and carry the groceries as I am incapacitated with stiff neck.
Spend the rest of the morning making lunch – HTB is kicked out of the kitchen as I keep falling over him – he then huffily decides he needs a break and heads off to get some essential supplies from Woolies and I suspect to read more newspapers.
Family arrive for lunch
Lovely gifts from them all – including a gift from my father which he apparently chose and bought himself??? I nearly fell on my back – good thing I didn’t as my neck is very sore. My mother was mainly responsible for buying my sisters and I birthday and Christmas gifts, and since she passed away in 2000, my sisters and I have never received a gift from TOM (the old man) in the last 10 years. B assures me that she had nothing to do with helping him buy the gift and was also gobsmacked to receive a gift from him also.
All in all – lunch was very pleasant – especially since it consisted of family members, not that B, BIL A, C and her chef son are a problem to have for lunch, TOM can be a bit taxing at times ad one needs some alcoholic fortification to cope with him sometimes, but he was actually quite well behaved.
B is looking well and has only 7 months left of chemo Tx. She and I were both diagnosed with BC (breast cancer) in the same year.
After lunch, family departs, HTB heads off for a nap – and I decide to start watching some SATC dvd’s loaned From C – bugger the dishes. An hour later, HTB surfaces and I plead incapacity to washing the dishes as my neck is stiff – so he duly takes the hint and washes the dishes and collects the laundry off the line!! He really is good about doing housework. Luckily there is a lot of leftover food – so HTB tucks in- I’m too full and am also supposed to be on diet so I skip supper and head of to bed.
Finally work out that my stiff neck is from the vacuuming I did on Saturday morning – this is the clincher – am finally going to get a maid!!
PS: To clarify my mosspelling in a previous blog : soak and rice was menat to be snoek and rice
Friday, January 8, 2010
Yay – it’s Friday – not much to report today
Have completed my boring admin task and am going to reward myself with some nice lunch.
Have already started the weekend from last night – had dinner out with some girlfriends
My friend L’s new year resolution was to give up smoking which she had done so for 7 days – until last that is – when our other friend, K – who smokes illicitly on our ladies nights out, twisted L’s rubber arm to have a couple of smokes!!!
We then proceeded on to drinking strawberry daiquiris – delicious!!
Could only have one as I was the DD (designated driver)
As usual we had a blast, especially when we thought the salt and pepper grinders had batteries and would have been put to better use as vibrators.
Made it home in one piece sans any roadblocks. Arrived home to HTB and kitty waiting patiently for me. Proceeded to bed with said HTB and kitty and konked out.
Have a good weekend
Have completed my boring admin task and am going to reward myself with some nice lunch.
Have already started the weekend from last night – had dinner out with some girlfriends
My friend L’s new year resolution was to give up smoking which she had done so for 7 days – until last that is – when our other friend, K – who smokes illicitly on our ladies nights out, twisted L’s rubber arm to have a couple of smokes!!!
We then proceeded on to drinking strawberry daiquiris – delicious!!
Could only have one as I was the DD (designated driver)
As usual we had a blast, especially when we thought the salt and pepper grinders had batteries and would have been put to better use as vibrators.
Made it home in one piece sans any roadblocks. Arrived home to HTB and kitty waiting patiently for me. Proceeded to bed with said HTB and kitty and konked out.
Have a good weekend
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Am having a BBD (bad bipolar day) today.
Last night I felt really tired as I had not slept well the night before. For the last 3 weeks, I have halved my bipolar meds cocktail, however last night I took the full dose – and woke up feeling awful this morning.
HTB locked kitty out of the bedroom at midnight as apparently she was standing on my head meowing to get my attention – to which I was oblivious. He let her in at 7 am – as she was yowling outside our bedroom door – and I woke up having a massive hot flush with her sitting on my neck purring like an engine
I am so doped up from the meds – can’t really function to well – thank goodness I am doing mind numbing admin work for now.
HTB and I usually take turns to make supper – it was his turn last night. He has a repertoire of 3 recipes which consist of:
Pasta with pesto, anchovies, olives and onion
Rice with soak, tomatoes and onion
Salad loaded with onion and garlic
(He likes onion and garlic)
We had the rice option last night – not complaining – glad he can take turns with the cooking and any food that I have not prepared is delicious
I mentioned briefly earlier in the blog about our new years eve – however – here is the expanded version.
30/12/2009
We arrive in Prince Albert – very nice little town. We investigate the local campsite – HTB not impressed as it looks like a construction site. We head back to the main street and find self catering accommodation. Good accommodation as it has a plunge pool – very necessary in the hot karoo sun – so after unpacking we jump in with a cold cider each
We explore the town.
HTB is vacillating between wanting to stay or push off the next day. Im quite keen to stay as I think that spending new years eve in Prince Albert in the pool with ciders is a good option – followed by langarm dancing in the local pub to see the new year in.
31/12/2009
HTP decides he wants to trek to Koffifontein(???) to see an Italian prisoner of war internment camp with murals painted by the Italian POW’S.
I begrudgingly agree. We duly drive to Koffiefontein and arrive there in the late afternoon.
The town entrance has a huge gold coffee pot pouring water into a huge gold cup and saucer.
No one knows anything about the internment camp. HTB drives to the police station, where one policeman can tell him that the internment camp has been dismantled but the murals have been preserved and they are opposite the gold coffee pot and cup/saucer fountain.
HTB articulates a few expletives because the internment camp is no longer – however we find the murals. He is very excited – Im not so – there are just two murals – one of Il Duce (Mussolini) and one of the last Italian King. HTB duly photographs said murals – we decide to head for Bloem, as apart from the murals, there is nothing in Koffiefontein – not even koffie!! Surely Bloem will be more exciting and we can find a restaurant to have a few drinks and a nice meal to see the New Year in.
We set our GPS and head of to Bloem. On the outskirts of Bloem we see a sign for a caravan park – good start. We pull in and find they have reasonable self-catering units – so we book in for the night.
We then head off to explore the nightspots of Bloem. HTB wants to go the waterfront – a waterfront in Bloem – apparently called Loch Logan???
We set the GPS to find said destination – however – GPS does not know that there are major road works and keeps on directing us to the same roads that are closed. Then GPS sends us on an alternate route through the worst part of Bloem that was full of prossies and bad looking types.
I start to get nervous – our car is loaded with nice camping gear – we drive around for about an hour when we find the Mimosa mall. It is now 9pm. All the restaurants are closed – even the Wimpy and Spur. We find a Nandos that is still open – it is rather full – with all the foreigners in Bloem – there were Congolese, Bangladeshis and Israeli’s.
We order take away chicken strips and rice and a beer each and head back to our accommodation.
I am resisting the urge to say “I told you that we should have stayed in Prince Albert for New Years Eve”
We arrive at our caravan park (now 9.30 pm) and everyone in the entire camp is already asleep in bed.
So we quietly get in to our room – eat our take out Nandos meal. Once supper is finished – I have a shower and hop into bed. Didn’t make it to midnight – was asleep by 11.
HTB stayed up till midnight – he reported in the morning that he did not hear on firecracker go off.
Clearly – Bloemfonteiners do no celebrate the New Year.
01/01/2010
New years day – we survived Bloem. We have coffee and rusks then head off to the Drakensberg.
On the way we stop at Clarens and have a slap up breakfast – then we arrive at Royal Natal and the sun is shining!!
Last night I felt really tired as I had not slept well the night before. For the last 3 weeks, I have halved my bipolar meds cocktail, however last night I took the full dose – and woke up feeling awful this morning.
HTB locked kitty out of the bedroom at midnight as apparently she was standing on my head meowing to get my attention – to which I was oblivious. He let her in at 7 am – as she was yowling outside our bedroom door – and I woke up having a massive hot flush with her sitting on my neck purring like an engine
I am so doped up from the meds – can’t really function to well – thank goodness I am doing mind numbing admin work for now.
HTB and I usually take turns to make supper – it was his turn last night. He has a repertoire of 3 recipes which consist of:
Pasta with pesto, anchovies, olives and onion
Rice with soak, tomatoes and onion
Salad loaded with onion and garlic
(He likes onion and garlic)
We had the rice option last night – not complaining – glad he can take turns with the cooking and any food that I have not prepared is delicious
I mentioned briefly earlier in the blog about our new years eve – however – here is the expanded version.
30/12/2009
We arrive in Prince Albert – very nice little town. We investigate the local campsite – HTB not impressed as it looks like a construction site. We head back to the main street and find self catering accommodation. Good accommodation as it has a plunge pool – very necessary in the hot karoo sun – so after unpacking we jump in with a cold cider each
We explore the town.
HTB is vacillating between wanting to stay or push off the next day. Im quite keen to stay as I think that spending new years eve in Prince Albert in the pool with ciders is a good option – followed by langarm dancing in the local pub to see the new year in.
31/12/2009
HTP decides he wants to trek to Koffifontein(???) to see an Italian prisoner of war internment camp with murals painted by the Italian POW’S.
I begrudgingly agree. We duly drive to Koffiefontein and arrive there in the late afternoon.
The town entrance has a huge gold coffee pot pouring water into a huge gold cup and saucer.
No one knows anything about the internment camp. HTB drives to the police station, where one policeman can tell him that the internment camp has been dismantled but the murals have been preserved and they are opposite the gold coffee pot and cup/saucer fountain.
HTB articulates a few expletives because the internment camp is no longer – however we find the murals. He is very excited – Im not so – there are just two murals – one of Il Duce (Mussolini) and one of the last Italian King. HTB duly photographs said murals – we decide to head for Bloem, as apart from the murals, there is nothing in Koffiefontein – not even koffie!! Surely Bloem will be more exciting and we can find a restaurant to have a few drinks and a nice meal to see the New Year in.
We set our GPS and head of to Bloem. On the outskirts of Bloem we see a sign for a caravan park – good start. We pull in and find they have reasonable self-catering units – so we book in for the night.
We then head off to explore the nightspots of Bloem. HTB wants to go the waterfront – a waterfront in Bloem – apparently called Loch Logan???
We set the GPS to find said destination – however – GPS does not know that there are major road works and keeps on directing us to the same roads that are closed. Then GPS sends us on an alternate route through the worst part of Bloem that was full of prossies and bad looking types.
I start to get nervous – our car is loaded with nice camping gear – we drive around for about an hour when we find the Mimosa mall. It is now 9pm. All the restaurants are closed – even the Wimpy and Spur. We find a Nandos that is still open – it is rather full – with all the foreigners in Bloem – there were Congolese, Bangladeshis and Israeli’s.
We order take away chicken strips and rice and a beer each and head back to our accommodation.
I am resisting the urge to say “I told you that we should have stayed in Prince Albert for New Years Eve”
We arrive at our caravan park (now 9.30 pm) and everyone in the entire camp is already asleep in bed.
So we quietly get in to our room – eat our take out Nandos meal. Once supper is finished – I have a shower and hop into bed. Didn’t make it to midnight – was asleep by 11.
HTB stayed up till midnight – he reported in the morning that he did not hear on firecracker go off.
Clearly – Bloemfonteiners do no celebrate the New Year.
01/01/2010
New years day – we survived Bloem. We have coffee and rusks then head off to the Drakensberg.
On the way we stop at Clarens and have a slap up breakfast – then we arrive at Royal Natal and the sun is shining!!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
I am the only one at work this week - and am busy doing some rather unstimulating admin work.
Have already scoffed my lunch and Im still hungry. I have gained 8 kgs over the past 3 years - thanks to my cancer tx - have resolved to lose at least 4 kgs. Lunch consisted of 2 slices of rye bread, humus, lettuce and tomatoes. Much nicer I think than my cousin and her son's eco friendly attempt to make disgusting squishy lentil burgers. Will definitely give that recipe a miss.
When I left this morining, HTB was still in bed - then he surfaced to help me put anti flea drops on kitty - he was tasked with holding kitty still while I applied the drops. He is such a softy when it comes to kitty that I have to so the horrible things. After application of drops, kitty bolted to the bedroom and climbed into HTB's underwear shelf in the cupboard - not bad thing - at least HTB will not have fleas in his underwear.
Have already scoffed my lunch and Im still hungry. I have gained 8 kgs over the past 3 years - thanks to my cancer tx - have resolved to lose at least 4 kgs. Lunch consisted of 2 slices of rye bread, humus, lettuce and tomatoes. Much nicer I think than my cousin and her son's eco friendly attempt to make disgusting squishy lentil burgers. Will definitely give that recipe a miss.
When I left this morining, HTB was still in bed - then he surfaced to help me put anti flea drops on kitty - he was tasked with holding kitty still while I applied the drops. He is such a softy when it comes to kitty that I have to so the horrible things. After application of drops, kitty bolted to the bedroom and climbed into HTB's underwear shelf in the cupboard - not bad thing - at least HTB will not have fleas in his underwear.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
6 Jan (I think)
I have alreday forgotten what day it is today,I think it is Wednesday. (Bad memory - side effect of hormone suppression chemo)
Survived gym last night - then HTB and myself went to see the movie Couples Retreat with my cousin.
Lovely movie.
Prior to seeing the movie we had a cappuccino each, and heartfelt discussions about our futures in RSA.
We all feel the same way, we are not wanted here - but where do we go? This is our home.
We decided that there is no point in wasting our energy on these issues as we can not make a difference - we have collectively decided to focus on the good things that we can change and improve on.
One of our main topics was about Zumas fifth wedding and 18 children - there has not been much commentary about this in the papers - is it not PC to comment?
As a taxpayer - I have every right to comment. I feel that we (the taxpayers) should only be required to pay for one wife and maybe the first 5 children!
Will be eback later
I have alreday forgotten what day it is today,I think it is Wednesday. (Bad memory - side effect of hormone suppression chemo)
Survived gym last night - then HTB and myself went to see the movie Couples Retreat with my cousin.
Lovely movie.
Prior to seeing the movie we had a cappuccino each, and heartfelt discussions about our futures in RSA.
We all feel the same way, we are not wanted here - but where do we go? This is our home.
We decided that there is no point in wasting our energy on these issues as we can not make a difference - we have collectively decided to focus on the good things that we can change and improve on.
One of our main topics was about Zumas fifth wedding and 18 children - there has not been much commentary about this in the papers - is it not PC to comment?
As a taxpayer - I have every right to comment. I feel that we (the taxpayers) should only be required to pay for one wife and maybe the first 5 children!
Will be eback later
2010 - A new decade
Dear All
Inspired by my cousin who has started her own blog - I have decided to do the same.
However, mine is not based on cooking with a son, as I dont have children.
I have always wanted to write a book, but a blog is a good start.
For the last 5 o years or so, I have seen a therapist on a regular basis (for psychotherapy that is).
She has never increased my rate as we both scream with laughter during my therapy sessions, and I suspect she enjoys my wacky musings and finds them very entertaining, and we always joked that I should write a book.
The beginning of the new millenium(2000) was not a good start for me as my mother passed away very suddenly, so I have decided, that with the advent of this new decade of 2010, I will write my musings, thoughts and ideas, and that this will be a good year for me and my loved ones.
The last decade has been rather evenful to say the least - and it these events that will colour ny writing .
The last 3 years of those 10 were mega eventful - in the year I turned 40, I ended a 15 year long term relationship, met a new man, 6 months later was diagnosed with breast cancer, had bilateral mastectomies and breat implants, bought a new home, was diagnosed with bi polar disorder, changed careers and got engaged to said man. Yes - the poor man is still with me. Why - I dont now, and we have acquired a gorgeous kitty.
I am currently still on hormone suppression therapy and have 2 years left of this therapy to complete.
For 2010 - I made 3 new year resolutions - and have already broken them. I resolved to not eat chocolate, watch the news or read the newspapers. All resolutions have been broken within the last 3 days - so Im already off to a shaky start.
I will begin my blog from 31/12/20089.
31 December - HTB (husband to be) and I had a lovely 3 week trip to the E. Cape, W.Cape and Karoo. However, we ended up at Bloemfontein on New years eve. Bad mistake - nobody in Bloem parties past 9 pm. No restuarants were open, not even the Spur or Wimpy. We did find a Nandos, ao our New years eve consisted of chicken strips and rice with a beer each in our self catering accomodation. I was asleep by 11 pm. So much for the New Year.
1 Jan 2010
HTB and I arrived at Royal Natal Drakensberg resort to complete the last leg of our journey. We arrived in wonderful sunshine, pitched our tent, made supper and consumed some wine.
This was definitely an improvment on the night before.
2 Jan
Rain had set in during the night, so we slept in till late in out 2 man tent - very cosy.
Then HTB decided that he would hike in the rain. This was duly done - for about 2 hours when we decided to turn back as we were slipping and sliding in the mud. We returned to camp, packed everyting up in the rain and left.
Arrived home in the rain - surprise surprise - when we left KZN it was raining - and on our return - it was still raining. To top it all we arrived home to a flea infestation (kitty spent a 3 week holiday at the cattery)
Believe it or not - there is a sun - we saw it with our very own eyes in the Cape and the Karoo. Was such a novelty to have non frizzy hair, dry washing and some sunburn.
The rest of the day was spent doing several loads of laundry and packing up wet tents etc from out trip.
3 Jan
Hallelujah - the sun came out. Mad scramble to hang our washing on the line to get dry.
Rest of the day was spent cleaning and tyding up and getting ready to resume work the following day.
4 Jan
Went to the cattery to collect our kitty - very traumatic, lots of yowling, but glad to have her home.
Deposited Kitty at home and left for work. Arrived at work - am the only one here - and cant get in to the office as the locks have been changed nd no one though to give me a new key.
I did manage to get into a another office to check e mails and review the years activities.
Went back to gym after work - and did an extra circuit for good measure.
5 Jan
Called a colleague and asked her to bring a key so that I can get into the office to do my assigned tasks. This she does - so am now able to do some work.
Inspired by my cousin who has started her own blog - I have decided to do the same.
However, mine is not based on cooking with a son, as I dont have children.
I have always wanted to write a book, but a blog is a good start.
For the last 5 o years or so, I have seen a therapist on a regular basis (for psychotherapy that is).
She has never increased my rate as we both scream with laughter during my therapy sessions, and I suspect she enjoys my wacky musings and finds them very entertaining, and we always joked that I should write a book.
The beginning of the new millenium(2000) was not a good start for me as my mother passed away very suddenly, so I have decided, that with the advent of this new decade of 2010, I will write my musings, thoughts and ideas, and that this will be a good year for me and my loved ones.
The last decade has been rather evenful to say the least - and it these events that will colour ny writing .
The last 3 years of those 10 were mega eventful - in the year I turned 40, I ended a 15 year long term relationship, met a new man, 6 months later was diagnosed with breast cancer, had bilateral mastectomies and breat implants, bought a new home, was diagnosed with bi polar disorder, changed careers and got engaged to said man. Yes - the poor man is still with me. Why - I dont now, and we have acquired a gorgeous kitty.
I am currently still on hormone suppression therapy and have 2 years left of this therapy to complete.
For 2010 - I made 3 new year resolutions - and have already broken them. I resolved to not eat chocolate, watch the news or read the newspapers. All resolutions have been broken within the last 3 days - so Im already off to a shaky start.
I will begin my blog from 31/12/20089.
31 December - HTB (husband to be) and I had a lovely 3 week trip to the E. Cape, W.Cape and Karoo. However, we ended up at Bloemfontein on New years eve. Bad mistake - nobody in Bloem parties past 9 pm. No restuarants were open, not even the Spur or Wimpy. We did find a Nandos, ao our New years eve consisted of chicken strips and rice with a beer each in our self catering accomodation. I was asleep by 11 pm. So much for the New Year.
1 Jan 2010
HTB and I arrived at Royal Natal Drakensberg resort to complete the last leg of our journey. We arrived in wonderful sunshine, pitched our tent, made supper and consumed some wine.
This was definitely an improvment on the night before.
2 Jan
Rain had set in during the night, so we slept in till late in out 2 man tent - very cosy.
Then HTB decided that he would hike in the rain. This was duly done - for about 2 hours when we decided to turn back as we were slipping and sliding in the mud. We returned to camp, packed everyting up in the rain and left.
Arrived home in the rain - surprise surprise - when we left KZN it was raining - and on our return - it was still raining. To top it all we arrived home to a flea infestation (kitty spent a 3 week holiday at the cattery)
Believe it or not - there is a sun - we saw it with our very own eyes in the Cape and the Karoo. Was such a novelty to have non frizzy hair, dry washing and some sunburn.
The rest of the day was spent doing several loads of laundry and packing up wet tents etc from out trip.
3 Jan
Hallelujah - the sun came out. Mad scramble to hang our washing on the line to get dry.
Rest of the day was spent cleaning and tyding up and getting ready to resume work the following day.
4 Jan
Went to the cattery to collect our kitty - very traumatic, lots of yowling, but glad to have her home.
Deposited Kitty at home and left for work. Arrived at work - am the only one here - and cant get in to the office as the locks have been changed nd no one though to give me a new key.
I did manage to get into a another office to check e mails and review the years activities.
Went back to gym after work - and did an extra circuit for good measure.
5 Jan
Called a colleague and asked her to bring a key so that I can get into the office to do my assigned tasks. This she does - so am now able to do some work.
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